Jealous
Something unprecedented has been happening in the WNBA, (the Women's basketball league of America) this season. There has been a meteoric rise in interest across many corners and some have, dare say it, found just how exciting the league can be. The only issue here is that while there is an obvious reason to celebrate, some are more focused on who should be celebrated.
Caitlin Clark. You've probably heard the name of the lady who has brought so much buzz to the league. Make no mistake, the WNBA is experiencing a rise firmly on the back of this lady. She has been a bundle of joy to watch on the court, and her accomplishments so far do most of the talking. Why she is so popular is something I haven't quite figure out yet, and perhaps such answers are best reserved for later.
Yet she seems to have long overlooked appealing qualities of modesty, femininity, and pure talent that make people (especially conservatives?) want to support her. I can only say that whatever the reason, Caitlin deserves as much support she can muster from the entire league if it means the women's game is finally grown to long desired levels. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case in many corners.
There are certain stakeholders in the Women's game that refuse to give credit where it is due. Many have rather resigned to drowning in resentment than embracing Caitlin as a welcome savior. It is rather unfortunate what this petty bunch have been able to accomplish so far. From celebrating over a rather strange omission from the d old Medal Winning Female basketball Olympic team, to completely downplaying her influence both on and off the court. It is rather strange.
Luckily petty jealousy doesn't seem to deter most Caitlin fans. I like most others genuinely want this lady to succeed and hopefully transform the Women's game for good. I love the fact that she's upped her performance lately and while charm and character can be overlooked, Competence cannot.
I am a fan of the WNBA exclusively because of CC. She is phenomenal and she handles the press with the same class and grace that she handles her opponents on the court. The negative publicity that she gets from veteran players and even pundits who were pioneers in building the WNBA can be chalked up to pure jealousy. The thing about these haters that is so astounding is that they are directly benefitting from her Clark being in the game. If it wasn't for her we would still not be watching and most sports fans wouldn't even be able to name a team, let alone a player.
She has done for this sport what the sport was completely unable to do for itself over the course of 20 years and millions upon millions of charity from NBA. The other players are starting to calm down now, but the criticism that Caitlin faced from the league was just appalling. It's just jealousy and resentment that it wasn't them that made this happen. Those foolish women better get on the train soon because if they don't the world will return to not giving half a damn about the WNBA.